Dharamshala: As part of the visitation program of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, parliamentarians Karma Gelek and Dr. Rigzin Lhundup visited the Upper Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, Gyuto Tantric Monastery, and the College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS), Sarah, in Dharamshala on 24 June 2026.

On the morning of 24 June, at 9:30 a.m., the parliamentarians visited the Upper TCV School, where they toured the junior school classrooms (from pre-primary onward), the library, and student homes (hostels). They also inspected the senior school classrooms, library, and dormitories.

At 11:00 a.m., students from Class VI and above, along with faculty and staff members, gathered for a school assembly. In his address, MP Karma Gelek explained the objectives, procedures, and guidelines of the parliamentary visitation program. He spoke about the lifelong achievements of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, highlighting His Holiness’s role in transforming the Central Tibetan Administration into a democratic system. He also discussed the evolution, responsibilities, and functioning of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, including parliamentary procedures. Furthermore, he elaborated on His Holiness’s vision in establishing separate schools for Tibetan children in exile from the outset and underscored the profound importance of education.

MP Dr. Rigzin Lhundup addressed the critical and urgent situation inside Tibet. His presentation focused on the colonial-style boarding school system imposed in Tibet, the Chinese government’s policies aimed at eroding the Tibetan language, and the severe environmental consequences of its development policies. He emphasized the responsibilities of Tibetans in exile in responding to these challenges and preserving Tibetan identity, culture, and language. The session concluded with a question-and-answer interaction with the students.

In the afternoon, the parliamentarians visited Gyuto Tantric Monastery, where they toured the monastery’s library. They subsequently paid an official visit to the College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS), Sarah, touring the campus and its library facilities.